Congrats to 4th grader Eli M., who completed her first 5k run this weekend. She even beat her dad! Here is what she had to say about it: "I was extremely tired, but I managed to sprint the last few seconds. It was a beautiful day for a run. I loved being outside for awhile. My dad and I loved it. It was fantastic."
Do you want to highlight your child's athletic accomplishment? Just send me a pic and have your child write about what happened.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
A fun-filled week
This week was full of lots of fun and action! To start, I met with the PK children on Monday morning. We are working very hard on the word Freeze. When the teacher says "freeze," the children need to stop their feet, look at the teacher, and stay quiet so they can listen to directions. You might want to practice this game at home. We tried playing while we were sitting on the circle; we played the drums with our hands and feet until we heard freeze. Then we tried it while moving in different ways around the gym: walking, running, skipping, tiptoeing, etc. The next activity we tried was moving to music. We listened to two songs: "This is the Way We Do It" and " The Bop." The children listened to the words of the music and moved according to what was sung. They did absolutely awesome! Finally we had a few minutes to play with some hula hoops and squishy soccer balls.
The JK children had an exciting class this week. We went on a bear hunt in our gym. Of course we all agreed there are no real bears in our school, only teddy bears! Ha!
We went down the road, over the bridge, through the wheat field, up and down a tree, across the river, and into a dark cave. Then we took a picture of the bear and ran all the way back home, of course passing all of the scenery we saw on the way out. Finally, we slammed the door and locked it up! Whhhheeeewww! But don't worry, we weren't scared since it was only pretend! We also got a chance to work on some simple ball skills, and we will continue next week... watch for more! HEY, CHECK OUT THE PICTURES IN MY LINK TO THE RIGHT!!! ALL JK FUN!
In first grade and second grade this week, we began our throwing and catching unit. The skills we are working on are underhand and overhand throwing, and catching. The children played a game called flip-the-cup where they try to flip a dome cone over by underhand throwing a bean bag at it. They practice by themselves and then played against a partner. I also introduced the overhand throw and we included catching in several of our games. Practice throwing and catching at home to reinforce this lifetime skills.
The third and fourth graders finished up their volleyball unit this week. We played "real" volleyball and learned several of the rules including 3 hits per team, one hit per person, rotating, service position, and a few net rules. The children really showed their positive sportsmanship, and we all agreed it would be more enjoyable if we just played for fun instead of keeping score. We learned that in my classroom when we play competitive games, you are allowed to keep score if you choose, but the score has to stay in your own head and cannot come out of your mouth. Our next unit for these two grade levels is tennis. We will be working on the drop-hit, forehand, backhand, and the volley. The children are allowed to bring their own rackets, but we do have enough for everyone.
The JK children had an exciting class this week. We went on a bear hunt in our gym. Of course we all agreed there are no real bears in our school, only teddy bears! Ha!
We went down the road, over the bridge, through the wheat field, up and down a tree, across the river, and into a dark cave. Then we took a picture of the bear and ran all the way back home, of course passing all of the scenery we saw on the way out. Finally, we slammed the door and locked it up! Whhhheeeewww! But don't worry, we weren't scared since it was only pretend! We also got a chance to work on some simple ball skills, and we will continue next week... watch for more! HEY, CHECK OUT THE PICTURES IN MY LINK TO THE RIGHT!!! ALL JK FUN!
In first grade and second grade this week, we began our throwing and catching unit. The skills we are working on are underhand and overhand throwing, and catching. The children played a game called flip-the-cup where they try to flip a dome cone over by underhand throwing a bean bag at it. They practice by themselves and then played against a partner. I also introduced the overhand throw and we included catching in several of our games. Practice throwing and catching at home to reinforce this lifetime skills.
The third and fourth graders finished up their volleyball unit this week. We played "real" volleyball and learned several of the rules including 3 hits per team, one hit per person, rotating, service position, and a few net rules. The children really showed their positive sportsmanship, and we all agreed it would be more enjoyable if we just played for fun instead of keeping score. We learned that in my classroom when we play competitive games, you are allowed to keep score if you choose, but the score has to stay in your own head and cannot come out of your mouth. Our next unit for these two grade levels is tennis. We will be working on the drop-hit, forehand, backhand, and the volley. The children are allowed to bring their own rackets, but we do have enough for everyone.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Summer is Here?
Well it was a steamy one down here in the gym, but the children don't mind too much. I think summer is finally here!
PK did not have PE this week, but our next F day is Monday so stay tuned!
In JK PE this week we learned how to take out, share, safely use, and properly return equipment. Next week we will go on a bear hunt even though the only bears that live in our school are teddy bears. Fun!
In first grade PE we continued to work on striking beach balls. The assessment is striking a beach ball to a wall, letting it bounce back to the floor, and then keep the pattern going: strike, wall bounce, floor bounce. We also practiced hitting the balls over the volleyball net just for fun. Next week we move on to throwing and catching.
The second graders are perfecting their underhand serves over the volleyball net, and I have to tell you that they are getting pretty good! I really think they think they are playing "real" volleyball which is so exciting. Next week we start throwing and catching.
The third graders were introduced to setting, and continued their work on passing and underhand serving. We learned a fun game called "Keep It Up" where the children use passes and sets to keep the ball from hitting the floor. On Wednesday next week we start tennis.
In fourth grade PE the children also played keep it up and started learning how to play an actual game of volleyball. They get very pumped up when there is an actual rally.... how fun! On Wednesday next week the 4th graders start tennis.
By next week all of the children in 1st through 4th grades will have practiced part of the homecoming fun run. Our course is changed this year because of the construction. The Fun Run is schedule for Wednesday, September 30 at 2:30. Watch your Friday Folder for more information.
Friday I am out of the building, and our in-house sub Laura Fischer is my sub.
PK did not have PE this week, but our next F day is Monday so stay tuned!
In JK PE this week we learned how to take out, share, safely use, and properly return equipment. Next week we will go on a bear hunt even though the only bears that live in our school are teddy bears. Fun!
In first grade PE we continued to work on striking beach balls. The assessment is striking a beach ball to a wall, letting it bounce back to the floor, and then keep the pattern going: strike, wall bounce, floor bounce. We also practiced hitting the balls over the volleyball net just for fun. Next week we move on to throwing and catching.
The second graders are perfecting their underhand serves over the volleyball net, and I have to tell you that they are getting pretty good! I really think they think they are playing "real" volleyball which is so exciting. Next week we start throwing and catching.
The third graders were introduced to setting, and continued their work on passing and underhand serving. We learned a fun game called "Keep It Up" where the children use passes and sets to keep the ball from hitting the floor. On Wednesday next week we start tennis.
In fourth grade PE the children also played keep it up and started learning how to play an actual game of volleyball. They get very pumped up when there is an actual rally.... how fun! On Wednesday next week the 4th graders start tennis.
By next week all of the children in 1st through 4th grades will have practiced part of the homecoming fun run. Our course is changed this year because of the construction. The Fun Run is schedule for Wednesday, September 30 at 2:30. Watch your Friday Folder for more information.
Friday I am out of the building, and our in-house sub Laura Fischer is my sub.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Where are your gym shoes, Mrs. Griffin?
Oh, I do love all of the funny things my students say! This morning the JK students could not get over the fact that I was not wearing my regular tennis shoes, but instead some sportier athletic style shoes. "Where are YOUR gym shoes, Mrs. Griffin?" I guess it has been sticking in their heads that in the gym we need to wear our sneakers so we are safe and of course, we run our fastest when we have our gym shoes on. No crocs, sandals, flip flops, or boots please!
This week in PK PE we met for the first time in the big gym. We learned about the special rules we have when we come to the gyms. I blew my whistle softly and told the kids when they heard it they should stop their feet and listen. Then we pretended to be choo-choo trains all over the train track (aka the floor lines) in the gym. Finally, we pretended that the lines were snakes and logs in a big garden. The children ran and leaped over them!
In JK PE this week we learned two fun songs: "The Way We Do It" and "Bop Til You Drop." The children listen to the word of the song and follow me as we shake, jiggle, march, bop, and do all sorts of movements. We also reviewed how to freeze and find our own space.
In 1st and 2nd grade PE this week the children learned how to play Stuck in the Mud Tag (always a favorite!), and we are beginning our striking unit. The first graders are practicing hitting a beach ball underhand to a wall, letting it bounce once, and then keeping the pattern going. The second graders are learning to underhand serve beach balls and light-weight trainer volleyballs over the net. Of course the children are so excited because they really feel like they are playing volleyball!
The 3rd and 4th graders are getting pretty close to playing "real volleyball." We covered the skills of passing, setting, and underhand serving. We talk about some of the basic rules of volleyball, and next week we will play some fun lead-up games. The 4th graders culminate their unit with playing a "real game."
Have an active weekend!
This week in PK PE we met for the first time in the big gym. We learned about the special rules we have when we come to the gyms. I blew my whistle softly and told the kids when they heard it they should stop their feet and listen. Then we pretended to be choo-choo trains all over the train track (aka the floor lines) in the gym. Finally, we pretended that the lines were snakes and logs in a big garden. The children ran and leaped over them!
In JK PE this week we learned two fun songs: "The Way We Do It" and "Bop Til You Drop." The children listen to the word of the song and follow me as we shake, jiggle, march, bop, and do all sorts of movements. We also reviewed how to freeze and find our own space.
In 1st and 2nd grade PE this week the children learned how to play Stuck in the Mud Tag (always a favorite!), and we are beginning our striking unit. The first graders are practicing hitting a beach ball underhand to a wall, letting it bounce once, and then keeping the pattern going. The second graders are learning to underhand serve beach balls and light-weight trainer volleyballs over the net. Of course the children are so excited because they really feel like they are playing volleyball!
The 3rd and 4th graders are getting pretty close to playing "real volleyball." We covered the skills of passing, setting, and underhand serving. We talk about some of the basic rules of volleyball, and next week we will play some fun lead-up games. The 4th graders culminate their unit with playing a "real game."
Have an active weekend!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
It's a Great Day at USM!
Hi to all University School parents, students, and teachers! I am so excited to start my 10th year at USM. My classes these first two weeks have gone well, and I am excited to work with all the children. Usually at the end of each week I will update my blog with the weekly happenings in my PE classes. I hope you will follow my blog and leave comments! Of course students might read this blog so make sure your comments are child-friendly. If you have a more serious concern, you can always feel free to email or call. The first week in all of my classes I covered the rules of PE class, and we played some simple games to get the children used to my style of teaching.
Some important things for parents to help me with...
1. Make sure your child has properly fitting sneakers to wear. For JK parents I would prefer shoes with no ties as it is often frustrating for the children when their shoes come untied and they have to miss out on the activity several times. No crocs or sandals please, please, please!
2. Ask your child what they did in PE each week. Try to have them SHOW you skills we have worked on, and explain what the important parts are.
3. Keep your children active on the weekends in something active. Build healthy habits at a young age so physical activity is a regular part of their life.
4. If your child is injured or sick to the point where they cannot participate, please send a note via paper or email, or leave me a voice message. It is helpful to know what your child can and cannot do for that day.
Next week in JK, we will be working on locomotor activities (skipping, running, galloping, sliding, etc.) and freezing (like a statue). The first through fourth graders will start their volleyball units. We will also continue to practice for our fitness testing in a about a month. Pull-ups, curl-ups, and the distance run have all been introduced. The PK children will have their first class in the gym where the children will learn the basic rules (and of course play some fun and easy games!).
Some important things for parents to help me with...
1. Make sure your child has properly fitting sneakers to wear. For JK parents I would prefer shoes with no ties as it is often frustrating for the children when their shoes come untied and they have to miss out on the activity several times. No crocs or sandals please, please, please!
2. Ask your child what they did in PE each week. Try to have them SHOW you skills we have worked on, and explain what the important parts are.
3. Keep your children active on the weekends in something active. Build healthy habits at a young age so physical activity is a regular part of their life.
4. If your child is injured or sick to the point where they cannot participate, please send a note via paper or email, or leave me a voice message. It is helpful to know what your child can and cannot do for that day.
Next week in JK, we will be working on locomotor activities (skipping, running, galloping, sliding, etc.) and freezing (like a statue). The first through fourth graders will start their volleyball units. We will also continue to practice for our fitness testing in a about a month. Pull-ups, curl-ups, and the distance run have all been introduced. The PK children will have their first class in the gym where the children will learn the basic rules (and of course play some fun and easy games!).
Friday, April 24, 2009
Spring is here???
The first though fourth grades are getting as confused as we are about this Wisconsin weather. One day we can go out to run and play, and the next day there is snow on the ground. Thankfully today was a super morning for the children to go out and run.
The first and second graders have been working on their throwing and catching all week, with a special focus on catching. The children used their hands, a velcro gripper (worn on their non-dominant hand like a baseball glove), and cones to catch all types of balls.
The third and fourth graders had a busy week with team building, the start of our floor hockey unit, and health. The third graders finished labeling their skeletons in our second lesson on the skeletal system. Then they had fun trying to touch their carpals to their scapula, their tibia to their clavicle, and so on.
The fourth graders had their "big talk" this week for our human growth and development unit. We answered all of the great questions they wrote on note cards after our visit to the Children's Health Education Center. I led the girls group and the girls were absolutely wonderful, asking so many questions. They even asked questions after we told them it was time to return to their classrooms. We could have been there for many more hours if the day wasn't ending. I hope you continue the conversations at home with your children. Good reports from the boys group too, although not quite as many questions.
In JK this week we again worked on our good throwing form, especially stepping with the opposite foot. Another continuing focus is jumping a self-turned short jump rope. Some of the children have been able to get one or two in a row in combination with their rope turning. The Pk'er have also been trying to jump their own rope. We have new ropes this year for our extra little PK and JK buddies so they aren't trying to use a rope that is too long. We talk about how it is okay if you can't jump yet, but by the time they are in first grade they will be "so super awesome!"
The first and second graders have been working on their throwing and catching all week, with a special focus on catching. The children used their hands, a velcro gripper (worn on their non-dominant hand like a baseball glove), and cones to catch all types of balls.
The third and fourth graders had a busy week with team building, the start of our floor hockey unit, and health. The third graders finished labeling their skeletons in our second lesson on the skeletal system. Then they had fun trying to touch their carpals to their scapula, their tibia to their clavicle, and so on.
The fourth graders had their "big talk" this week for our human growth and development unit. We answered all of the great questions they wrote on note cards after our visit to the Children's Health Education Center. I led the girls group and the girls were absolutely wonderful, asking so many questions. They even asked questions after we told them it was time to return to their classrooms. We could have been there for many more hours if the day wasn't ending. I hope you continue the conversations at home with your children. Good reports from the boys group too, although not quite as many questions.
In JK this week we again worked on our good throwing form, especially stepping with the opposite foot. Another continuing focus is jumping a self-turned short jump rope. Some of the children have been able to get one or two in a row in combination with their rope turning. The Pk'er have also been trying to jump their own rope. We have new ropes this year for our extra little PK and JK buddies so they aren't trying to use a rope that is too long. We talk about how it is okay if you can't jump yet, but by the time they are in first grade they will be "so super awesome!"
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Countdown to spring break
One more week of cold, then we'll get to spring right? Oh I hope when we return to school after spring break that we'll have some warm and dry weather so we can go outside!
This week the PK'ers had fun at stations. Our big blue mat was still out (but the rest of our gymnastics equipment is back in our equipment room) so one station was jumping and balancing on a variety of our fun mat toys. The children also went to a hula hoop station, a ball station, and a jump rope station. WHAT? Jump rope for three and four-year olds? Yes!!! The children are very ready to try this fun activity. We talked about how this might be the first time some of the children have ever tried to jump a rope, and that with lots of practice they will learn how to jump like the older children. Almost all of the children could turn the rope over their head either forwards or backwards. Some children could turn it and then jump (the teachers helped put the rope closer and flat so they could jump it), and a few children could turn the rope and jump it once in combination. I also teach JK and 1st grade and I can really tell, even by JK, which children have experimented with a jump rope. I encourage you to get your child a rope and let them practice. What a great inexpensive activity that you can take practically anywhere!
The JK'ers had a fun, fun, fun activity on Friday which we love to watch the children do every year: The Volcano Floor. Mrs. DeSchryver and I take out TONS of equipment and put it all over the floor. We tell the children when they enter the gym that last night a volcano erupted and there is hot lava all over the floor. Be careful not to burn your feet! The children will try to make it to the other side of the hot lava by stepping on all of the equipment (or the rocks that didn't get covered by lava). The children absolutely love going back and forth, carefully balancing on the rocks and avoiding the lava. This is an activity the children could do easily at home with a few boxes, pieces of paper, etc. Some children had to double check that the floor really wouldn't burn their feet... "Are you just kidding, Mrs. Griffin?"
The first graders worked on many things this week. We started our soccer unit with our focus being on dribbling. But we may have to wait until after spring break to continue this fun activity. In keeping with the International Fair theme, on Tuesday the children joined with Mrs. Keily's class and we played 3 games from 3 different countries. It was fun to see how the children made the connection that they play many similar games that children from around the world play. Wednesday we also did a fun activity called a tabloid. The children are divided into teams and they have fun and sometimes silly challenges to do... but watch out, when the music stops, you have to hustle and get your team in a quiet straight line so you can say your score nice and loud. The second graders also started soccer and participated in the tabloid activity. What a fun morning!
The fourth graders continued their health unit focusing on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. This week we began our discussion on how to be a "Cool Refuser: How to Say No while keeping your friends and maintaining your dignity." Tuesday we talked about peer pressure and how it can be both negative and positive. We talked about how peer pressure is around us (even as adults) all the time and it influences almost every decision we make, good and bad. The children must have brought up the story about the girl who died recently in Whitefish Bay at least 5 times. They are very connected to the news, and we talked about how, as they get older, they will start hearing and reading more about things that happen to people who are involved in drug use. We talked about how poor choices can have long lasting effects on your life or the life of someone else. We talked about how sometimes people who we still want to be friends with can try to influence us to do things we know are wrong. We can use our positive peer pressure to encourage them to do the right thing. We talked about using our feelings and knowledge to help us make the best decisions; I was so amazed at the maturity and wisdom from the children. This is a great age to talk about your family values to your kids because they are mature enough to understand, and they still want to honor your values and do what is right. I really hope they can carry this information with them through middle school, high school, and beyond. The more they hear about what you believe, the more it sticks with them. I have taught health in middle and high school, and I can really tell which families have had these types of discussions with their children. Those kids know exactly where they stand and they know they have their family to back them up when a tough decision has to be made. If you don't know where to start, you can ask them what they learned in health with Mrs. Griffin this week, and I bet they will have lots of stories to share!
The third and fourth graders played a fun game this week called four goal soccer. Everyone is playing soccer, but instead of two goals there are four and you can try to score on any other team. If you score, you get to take a bowling pin back to your net. This game really gets the children huffing and puffing...lots of action, and lots of fun! On Friday the children will do their first tabloid. Read above for a description of a tabloid. The third and fourth graders are so focused and active!
I remind all of my students to stay active over break. Many of the children have ideas of how they can stay active: swimming, running, Wii Fit, biking, and so much more! I hope you encourage your children to exercise daily. I know many families are going to warm places where you can spend a lot of time outside which really lends itself to being active and healthy. I hope if you are traveling, you are safe and well. I look forward to warmer weather once we return!
This week the PK'ers had fun at stations. Our big blue mat was still out (but the rest of our gymnastics equipment is back in our equipment room) so one station was jumping and balancing on a variety of our fun mat toys. The children also went to a hula hoop station, a ball station, and a jump rope station. WHAT? Jump rope for three and four-year olds? Yes!!! The children are very ready to try this fun activity. We talked about how this might be the first time some of the children have ever tried to jump a rope, and that with lots of practice they will learn how to jump like the older children. Almost all of the children could turn the rope over their head either forwards or backwards. Some children could turn it and then jump (the teachers helped put the rope closer and flat so they could jump it), and a few children could turn the rope and jump it once in combination. I also teach JK and 1st grade and I can really tell, even by JK, which children have experimented with a jump rope. I encourage you to get your child a rope and let them practice. What a great inexpensive activity that you can take practically anywhere!
The JK'ers had a fun, fun, fun activity on Friday which we love to watch the children do every year: The Volcano Floor. Mrs. DeSchryver and I take out TONS of equipment and put it all over the floor. We tell the children when they enter the gym that last night a volcano erupted and there is hot lava all over the floor. Be careful not to burn your feet! The children will try to make it to the other side of the hot lava by stepping on all of the equipment (or the rocks that didn't get covered by lava). The children absolutely love going back and forth, carefully balancing on the rocks and avoiding the lava. This is an activity the children could do easily at home with a few boxes, pieces of paper, etc. Some children had to double check that the floor really wouldn't burn their feet... "Are you just kidding, Mrs. Griffin?"
The first graders worked on many things this week. We started our soccer unit with our focus being on dribbling. But we may have to wait until after spring break to continue this fun activity. In keeping with the International Fair theme, on Tuesday the children joined with Mrs. Keily's class and we played 3 games from 3 different countries. It was fun to see how the children made the connection that they play many similar games that children from around the world play. Wednesday we also did a fun activity called a tabloid. The children are divided into teams and they have fun and sometimes silly challenges to do... but watch out, when the music stops, you have to hustle and get your team in a quiet straight line so you can say your score nice and loud. The second graders also started soccer and participated in the tabloid activity. What a fun morning!
The fourth graders continued their health unit focusing on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. This week we began our discussion on how to be a "Cool Refuser: How to Say No while keeping your friends and maintaining your dignity." Tuesday we talked about peer pressure and how it can be both negative and positive. We talked about how peer pressure is around us (even as adults) all the time and it influences almost every decision we make, good and bad. The children must have brought up the story about the girl who died recently in Whitefish Bay at least 5 times. They are very connected to the news, and we talked about how, as they get older, they will start hearing and reading more about things that happen to people who are involved in drug use. We talked about how poor choices can have long lasting effects on your life or the life of someone else. We talked about how sometimes people who we still want to be friends with can try to influence us to do things we know are wrong. We can use our positive peer pressure to encourage them to do the right thing. We talked about using our feelings and knowledge to help us make the best decisions; I was so amazed at the maturity and wisdom from the children. This is a great age to talk about your family values to your kids because they are mature enough to understand, and they still want to honor your values and do what is right. I really hope they can carry this information with them through middle school, high school, and beyond. The more they hear about what you believe, the more it sticks with them. I have taught health in middle and high school, and I can really tell which families have had these types of discussions with their children. Those kids know exactly where they stand and they know they have their family to back them up when a tough decision has to be made. If you don't know where to start, you can ask them what they learned in health with Mrs. Griffin this week, and I bet they will have lots of stories to share!
The third and fourth graders played a fun game this week called four goal soccer. Everyone is playing soccer, but instead of two goals there are four and you can try to score on any other team. If you score, you get to take a bowling pin back to your net. This game really gets the children huffing and puffing...lots of action, and lots of fun! On Friday the children will do their first tabloid. Read above for a description of a tabloid. The third and fourth graders are so focused and active!
I remind all of my students to stay active over break. Many of the children have ideas of how they can stay active: swimming, running, Wii Fit, biking, and so much more! I hope you encourage your children to exercise daily. I know many families are going to warm places where you can spend a lot of time outside which really lends itself to being active and healthy. I hope if you are traveling, you are safe and well. I look forward to warmer weather once we return!
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